Chinatown

San Francisco
Chinatown which includes signage, street scenes and a city
San Francisco Chinatown is a colourful treat for visitors. Packed with authentic restaurants, exotic shops, ornate temples and buzzing food markets.

As one of the most densely populated and vibrant areas of the United States, this place hasn’t been without drama during its 160-year existence. It has witnessed turf wars, opium dens, bootleggers and secret clubs and societies. It also even had an unhealthy dose of bubonic plague. This colourful past has helped to shape the rich character of its contemporary culture making it one of San Francisco’s most popular districts to visit. In common with many other San Francisco districts, the Chinatown area was rebuilt after the 1906 earthquake and its resulting fires that destroyed large areas of the city. Today it’s a distinctive and striking area.

Begin your Chinatown experience at Chinatown Gate, located at the intersection of Bush Street and Grant Avenue. You can’t miss this entrance with its pagoda-topped design. The ceremonial entrance to the area is decorated with ornamental dragons and is guarded at either side by stone Fu dogs.

Come inside for an authentic experience. The markets sell live turtles and chickens and a host of other animals. Located down a back alley, known as Ross Alley, you’ll stumble across the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory. Your nose will guide you there. Inhale the distinctive delicious aromas as you approach. This is the only hand-made fortune cookie maker in San Francisco, which makes cookies of all varieties and sizes. You’re welcome to step inside to see the cookies being made and best of all, you can buy a bag of freshly-baked cookies to take away with you.

Not to be missed is the abundance of Chinese restaurants serving up a huge variety of authentic Chinese cuisine. There are dim sum restaurants and souvenir shops galore in the main tourist area but don’t just stick to the main streets. Head off down the labyrinth of back alleys where you’ll discover a different world with many a secluded gem secreted away waiting to be discovered.

The sights, smells and sounds of Chinatown are highly distinctive and will stay with you for a long time after you visit. It really should be on every visitor’s schedule. Chinatown is well within walking distance from the downtown area. Streetcars also service the area.


Popular places to visit

Things to do


Top hotels in Chinatown

King George Hotel
King George Hotel
3 out of 5
334 Mason Street, San Francisco, CA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is P5,004 per night from 2 Apr to 3 Apr
P5,004
per night
2 Apr - 3 Apr
Stay at this hotel in San Francisco. Enjoy WiFi, a 24-hour front desk, and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,387 reviews)
Very good hotel
"Really great value for money. Perfect location for us. Easy access from BART station. Cable cars just around the corner. Pleasant walk to Fisherman’s Wharf. Room had everything you could need and a really comfy bed. Coffee and pastries included for breakfast which was great for early starts and long ..."

Reviewed on Mar 26, 2024

King George Hotel
The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco
The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco
5 out of 5
600 Stockton St, San Francisco, CA
The price is P20,825 per night from 5 Apr to 6 Apr
P20,825
per night
5 Apr - 6 Apr
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in San Francisco. Enjoy 2 restaurants, breakfast, and WiFi. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,002 reviews)
"It was a luxurious hotel, clean and service was excellent. No pool available. Hotel should offer free WiFi and coffee."

Reviewed on Mar 27, 2024

The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco
Orchard Garden Hotel
Orchard Garden Hotel
4 out of 5
466 Bush St, San Francisco, CA
The price is P7,640 per night from 12 Apr to 13 Apr
P7,640
per night
12 Apr - 13 Apr
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in San Francisco. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and breakfast. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,005 reviews)
"Really great stay . Very quiet, comfortable beds and pillows."

Reviewed on Mar 25, 2024

Orchard Garden Hotel
Executive Hotel Vintage Court
Executive Hotel Vintage Court
3 out of 5
650 Bush Street, San Francisco, CA
The price is P6,114 per night from 31 Mar to 1 Apr
P6,114
per night
31 Mar - 1 Apr
Stay at this hotel in San Francisco. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,007 reviews)
"All"

Reviewed on Mar 25, 2024

Executive Hotel Vintage Court
Holiday Inn Golden Gateway, an IHG Hotel
Holiday Inn Golden Gateway, an IHG Hotel
3.5 out of 5
1500 Van Ness Ave, San Francisco, CA
The price is P7,033 per night from 9 Apr to 10 Apr
P7,033
per night
9 Apr - 10 Apr
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in San Francisco. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour fitness center, and onsite parking. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (2,361 reviews)
"The property is located at a walking distance from Japan town and retail stores. Restaurants are also nearby."

Reviewed on Mar 26, 2024

Holiday Inn Golden Gateway, an IHG Hotel
Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf
Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf
4 out of 5
2500 Mason St, San Francisco, CA
The price is P6,974 per night from 7 Apr to 8 Apr
P6,974
per night
7 Apr - 8 Apr
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in San Francisco. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (6,194 reviews)
"Breakfast was great!"

Reviewed on Mar 25, 2024

Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around Chinatown

Union Square which includes a high rise building and a city

Union Square

4.5/5(7 area reviews)

Known for its charming cafes and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Union Square. Check out top attractions like Westin St Francis Hotel Glass Elevators and Union Square, and jump on the metro at Powell St & Geary Blvd Stop or Powell St & Post St Stop to see more of the city.

Union Square
Nob Hill showing a city and street scenes

Nob Hill

4/5(1 area review)

Travelers love Nob Hill for its popular shops, and you can see more of San Francisco by jumping on the metro at Washington St & Leavenworth St Stop or Washington St & Jones St Stop. You might spend time checking out top sights like Grace Cathedral and SF Masonic Auditorium.

Nob Hill
Financial District - Ferry Building

Financial District

Enjoy the popular shops in Financial District. Embarcadero Center is a worthwhile stop, and you can jump on the metro at California St & Front St Stop or California St & Battery St Stop to see more of San Francisco.

Financial District
North Beach which includes skyline and a city

North Beach

4.5/5(4 area reviews)

Pier 39 and San Francisco Bay are top sights in North Beach, and you should be sure to explore the popular shops. Hop aboard the metro at Columbus Ave & Lombard St Stop or Columbus Ave & Chestnut St Stop to see more sights in the area.

North Beach
Lombard Street featuring flowers, a sunset and a house

Russian Hill

Spend some time visiting places like Lombard Street while getting to know Russian Hill, and be sure to check out the beaches. You can hop aboard the metro at Hyde St & Filbert St Stop or Hyde St & Union St Stop to see more of the area.

Russian Hill
Downtown San Francisco featuring railway items

Downtown San Francisco

4/5(1 area review)

Known for its fascinating museums, popular shops, and acclaimed art galleries, there's plenty to explore in Downtown San Francisco. Top attractions like Oracle Park and Chase Center are major draws. Catch the metro at Market St & 5th St Stop or Market St & Taylor St Stop to see more of the city.

Downtown San Francisco

Chinatown